Experimental analysis for the photovoltaic thermal collector (PVT) with nano PCM and micro-fins tube nanofluid
Bassam M. Abdulsahib, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Adnan Ibrahim, Mohd Faizal Fauzan, Anwer B. Al-Aasam, Ghaith Yahay Abusaibaa
Abstract
The efficiency of the photovoltaic cell ultimately decreases as its temperature rises. A hybrid PVT (photovoltaic thermal system) is one of the innovative techniques employed to increase that efficiency. This study utilized a cooling nanofluid circulation system with a micro fin tube (inner grooved) encapsulated with nano PCM (Phase Change Material). The utilization of nanoparticles allowed nano PCM and Nanofluid to have higher thermal conductivities increasing efficiencies. Experiments were conducted in a controlled environment using an indoor solar simulator. Water and nanofluid with 0.6 vol% SiC were used as working fluids in the PVT system. The nano PCM contains 1% SiC nanoparticles, which improves electrical (photovoltaic), thermal, and photovoltaic thermal efficiencies (total efficiencies). The mass flow rate ranges from (0.008–0.058 kg/s. The energy analysis indicated that the PVT had an electrical efficiency of 9.6%. The system’s highest thermal efficiency was 77.5% for the PVT M.F.N.F.N.PCM where the M.F (micro-fins), N.F (nanofluids), and N.PCM (nanoPCM).